No Regrets: A Novel of Love and Lies in World War II England (The Thornton Trilogy Book 1) (9 page)

“Oh, but isn’t it dangerous to allow mixing of the classes like that? Would you marry a girl who came from a low-born family, or any down-market part of your country?”

Major Cabot laughed. “We don’t think that way, Lady Whitfield. Oh, I should say some people do. I’d be much more inclined to marry a girl who shared my values and interests. Of course, I’d want her to be presentable, but I wouldn’t be concerned about what her father did for a living.”

“Well, that’s very interesting,” Anne answered. “I
do
have friends who aren’t aristocrats. Two are from France. Refugees from the Nazi occupation. One is a lady’s maid. In fact, she works for Lady Celia,” she remarked, glancing at the Countess. “The other teaches French. She’s a widow, with a small child. We don’t exactly socialize though. It wouldn’t be the ‘done thing.’”

Lady Celia chimed in. “Oh, but Anne. In this case, Elise, my lady’s maid’s friend, actually saved my son from permanent impairment from a war injury. I’d invite both of them anywhere. Wouldn’t you Rowan?” she enquired of her husband.

“Absolutely. They’re both fine young ladies. I admire their spunk. They escaped from the Nazi’s and came to England to start a whole, new life, with only the clothes on their backs. That poor Elise was also going to have a child. They’re remarkable young ladies.”

“You see, Lady Whitfield, in my opinion, your way of thinking would mean that you’re ashamed of them. Are they prone to making social blunders?”

“No, no. Not that. They both know etiquette and speak perfect English. I just don’t think they’d feel comfortable outside of their own niche.”

“Have you ever asked them how they’d feel?” he asked.

“Well, frankly, it’s never crossed my mind. You’ve given me something to think about.”

Anne was embarrassed. Lord Rowan and Lady Celia’s quick defense of Elise and Giselle made her seen petty and narrow-minded.

The conversation shifted to other topics, but Anne
did
think about what had been said. Major Cabot had looked at her rather dubiously. Perhaps she’d prove him wrong. She’d invite him to meet Elise and Giselle for tea. After all, her parents hadn’t raised her to be full of herself. She
did
believe in the concept that all people were equal. But, in the sphere she’d been raised in, while the concept was a rather nice one, it wasn’t practiced often.

1942

It was quite a while before the Major got furlough again. He kept in touch with Anne’s father, and when she learned he had a free weekend, Anne wrote a note, inviting him to
Meadowlands
to meet her friends from France. Ted was no fool. He saw through her little charade, but having enjoyed himself at her parent’s home before, it beat spending the weekend drinking ale in a pub. It was quite obvious she was trying to impress him with her liberal views on class-structure.

Giselle and Elise were dumbfounded when they received their invitation. While Anne had always been very nice, at no time had they expected to be invited to her parent’s estate. Being asked to tea at
Highcroft Hall
was one thing. After all, Giselle knew the Thorntons, and it wasn’t unheard of for a lady’s maid to have tea with her employers. Plus, Lady Celia gave full credit to Elise for what she’d done to help Sloan. But Anne’s parents were a Duke and Duchess. Outside of royalty, there was no higher social class in England. Anne had mentioned the dinner with a handsome American, but there’d been no hint of the two French women meeting him. Elise took down her
Emily Post Etiquette Book
, and copied the correct way to RSVP a formal invitation. Thank goodness she had some heavy, crème-colored vellum stationery that Madame Violette had given her before leaving Brighton, as well as a black ink-pen. Once the reply was posted, both young ladies eagerly looked forward to seeing Anne before the designated date, three weeks away. They couldn’t imagine what had prompted her to act so out of character.

On the following Monday, Anne appeared for her usual lesson. It was April, and in spite of having lived in Paris, Elise ardently felt that there was no more beautiful place on Earth than England in the spring. Hedges were covered with pink and white Hawthorn, apple trees were in bloom, the meadows were filled with white lambs, and leaves were turning into green, misty veils. Giselle took Chloe on a long outing, so only Elise met Anne at the door. It was difficult to believe that, on such a day, the brutal Nazis were beginning air raids on cathedral cities in Britain.

“Isn’t it a grand day?” Anne exclaimed, as she removed her hat. “There’s the fragrance of violets in the air. This is my favorite month.”

“Mine too,” answered Elise. “The world is starting over again. Do you want to begin lessons right away, or perhaps a cup of tea on such a pretty day? We could take it on the terrace.”

“That sounds divine. I’m not in any rush, if you aren’t. It might be nice to have time for a chat.”

Elise set about preparing the tea, while Anne sat at the old table adjacent to the kitchen. “I received your RSVP. Thank you, Elise, though it wasn’t necessary. You could simply have told me you were coming.”

“Yes, Anne, but then you’d never have known how well-versed Giselle and I are in proper etiquette,” Elise laughed.

“That you are. It was beautifully written.”

“May I be rather nosy and ask why we’ve been given the privilege of tea at
Meadowlands
? Really Anne, we’ve never expected such treatment. Giselle and I don’t fancy ourselves in your league.”

“I only thought it would be nice. You’ve heard me speak about my home and, of course, Major Cabot. I thought you’d like to meet him, that’s all.”

“Well, it’s a lovely thought. Of course we’d like to meet him. And your parents. It was very kind of you, Anne.”

Anne waved her hand, dismissively. “It’s only tea. I hope you enjoy yourselves. Major Cabot is looking forward to meeting both of you. I’ve mentioned you before. He thinks you sound fascinating.”

“I scarcely think we’re fascinating,” laughed Elise. “He’ll learn that soon enough.”

“Well, I’ve always thought you’re very interesting, too. Not everyone has the experience of escaping from the Nazis.”

“Believe me, that’s very fortunate for most people,” Elise continued, as she prepared a tea tray to be taken to the terrace. In spite of the fact that Giselle occasionally made small remarks about lingering mistrust of Anne, Elise thought she was a wonderful friend and felt lucky to have met her. The invitation to tea, at what people said was one of the most glorious homes in all of England, was proof that Anne treasured their friendship, too.

After lessons were finished, Elise did something she’d never done before. When she looked back on it, she supposed it was because spring had arrived. She suggested to Anne that they open a bottle of wine to celebrate the change of seasons. Anne was only too happy to comply. Elise fetched two glasses and poured one for each of them. They continued to sit at the outdoor table, shaded by a large Beech tree. Roses bloomed next to the flagstone terrace, and daffodils flourished on either side. Giselle had mentioned a plan to attend an evening class and dinner at the church. She would be taking Chloe with her. So, she wouldn’t be home until a bit later. Anne seized the opportunity, as a perfect time, to loosen Elise’s tongue and learn more about her past.

After finishing one bottle of wine, they opened a second. It was so enjoyable to sit outside and chat, and there didn’t seem to be any harm in letting their hair down. Elise was accustomed to drinking wine, and the entire scene was reminiscent of lovely days spent in France before the war. She said as much to Anne.

“You must miss France,” Anne replied.

“Seldom, really. But days like this can’t help but make me remember happy times there.”

“It had to be very, very difficult to lose a husband. I can’t imagine going through something like that. And to think, you were carrying his baby.”

“Oh, Anne, I shouldn’t tell you this. In fact, I don’t know why I am, other than we’ve grown close. I think it’s healthy for a person to unburden herself at times, and who better than a close friend? Of course, I have Giselle, and she knows my entire life. But, you’ve become nearly as close to me as a second sister.”

“I’m a bit confused. What shouldn’t you tell me? You’re the sort of girl who’s never had a secret in her life.”

“Oh, I wish that were true. And it would have been, not so long ago. But all of that changed in May 1940. Before I say anything more, please promise you won’t think badly of me.”

“Elise, I can’t imagine anything you could ever tell me that would make me think badly of you. Don’t worry for a tick about that. Now tell me this great secret,” she smiled.

“Anne, Chloe was born out of wedlock. I know that’s probably a shock. It was a shock to me. I didn’t know I was pregnant until I arrived in England.”

“Oh, you dear girl! I don’t think badly of you – only sorry. The same thing must have happened to hundreds – probably thousands of women. Honestly,’ there but for the grace of God go I,’” she smiled. “If Sloan had asked on the night before he left, I suspect I would have given myself to him. Who knows what could have resulted?”

“But no, Anne, it wasn’t like that. I feel defiled – dirty – just speaking about it. You see, on the afternoon of Dunkirk, three drunk Nazi soldiers pushed their way into my house, and – well – they – they...”

“They raped you! Oh my God! Oh my God! How did you live through such an attack?”

“I really don’t know. I think I went into sort of a daze. Of course, I had to be in shock. They were monsters. They lined up and took turns, all the while cheering and saying obscene things. It went on and on.”

“Oh, Elise. My heart aches for you. And, are you saying that Chloe was the result of this attack?”

“Yes. Of course, she’ll never know, if I can help it. Imagine what it would be like for her to find out she was conceived due to such disgusting, evil behavior?”

“Don’t worry. I’d never say anything to her. I hope she never finds out. It would be the vilest thing a girl could learn. So then, you’re telling me you don’t even know who her father is?”

“No, of course not. How could I? And what does it matter? One was as bad as the other. I hope they’re all dead and rotting in hell.”

“That’s a strong statement, coming from you. It sounds more like something I’d say,” Anne smiled sadly. “I couldn’t agree with you more. They should all have been hanged. So, is that why you left France?”

“Yes. I was terrified they might return. I had to get away. My neighbor told me of a friend who lived in Brighton. I was fortunate enough to be picked up by a fishing boat, and deposited on English soil at Dover
.
I took the train to Brighton. Finally, I found the boarding house.” Elise poured another glass of wine for both of them. “Actually, it wasn’t a boarding house.” Elise giggled. “You won’t believe this, but it was a brothel! Can you imagine? I was so naïve, I had no idea. The owner had to explain what it was to me. It’s hard to believe I was such a fool.”

“I think that’s better than knowing right off. Obviously you’d led a sheltered life. So that was two shocks in a short time frame.”

“Yes. But, the lady who owned the establishment was absolutely wonderful to me. I don’t know what I’d have done without her. She took me under her wing and was so kind. When I learned I was expecting a baby, she was such a comfort. She helped me sort it all out. I had nine months to think. At first, I didn’t want the baby. You can imagine. But as time passed, I began to have tender feelings toward the little one and realized nothing that happened had been the poor infant’s fault. The baby deserved a good life and a mother who loved it. Now, I believe God gave Chloe to me as a reward for what I’d had to endure.”

“What an incredible way to think of such horror. You truly are a wonder. How were you received by the other girls who – um – worked there?”

“Very well, actually. I learned a lot while I lived there. I always thought such women should be shunned. But the vast majority weren’t evil. Life’s circumstances had brought them to that environment. I felt dreadfully sorry for most. There were only two I didn’t care for. Adele and Lana. That’s only because they weren’t nice to me, which I suspect was jealously because Madame Violette treated me so well – gave me the nicest room, with a private loo and expected nothing from me.”

“I can see where that might cause some envy.”

“But Anne, the others were very loving. I only left because I realized it wasn’t a place to raise an innocent child.”

“Wise thinking,” Anne murmured.

“So you see, I’m not the angel a lot of people think I am. I’m not an angel at all.”

“Elise, none of it was your fault. Surely you know that. It’s one of the saddest stories I’ve ever heard. But you mustn’t let it ruin your life. I’m so proud of you for having risen above it, and made something good come of such foul behavior. I think a lot of girls would have been done in.”

“I might have been too, but I was fortunate to find people who helped me.”

“Is that when you met Giselle? In Brighton
?
”

“Yes. Um... but not at the brothel. She’d just escaped from France, too. We were naturally drawn to one another. She had a bed-sit, and her landlady introduced us, knowing we had a lot in common.” Elise crossed her fingers behind her back. She detested lying, but Giselle’s story wasn’t hers to tell.

The day ended when Giselle returned with Chloe. It was time for Elise to bathe, feed and tuck her daughter into the cot. When Anne left for the day, she whispered into Elise’s ear. ”Your secret is safe with me. I admire your courage.” Anne gave her a warm hug and thanked her. Then, she nearly skipped down the pathway. Why hadn’t she thought of wine before? However, she doubted the outcome would have been the same, if it had been earlier in their relationship. It had taken time to convince Elise she could trust Anne. There was no way Elise would have spilled all of that information when they’d first met. Anne
did
feel sorry for her. It was a very sad tale. But, with a bit of maneuvering it could be used to Anne’s advantage. If she told Sloan a slightly different version, Anne believed she knew him well enough to be certain he’d never want to be a part of Elise’s life. His perfect angel was tarnished. The mere thought of her having been touched by those disgusting beasts would be enough to turn him away from her. She was sure of it. There’d be no difficulty enhancing the story. That was Anne’s intention.

When Giselle returned, Elise didn’t mention what she’d told Anne. She was well aware that Giselle wouldn’t have been pleased. Elise was angry at herself for being so honest. It was due to the wine. She berated herself for her foolishness. Elise knew she had a tendency to speak her deepest feelings when she drank, which was why she usually stopped at one glass. She believed she could trust Anne, but it was embarrassing to have her know the truth.

As days passed, Elise decided there was nothing she could do about her reckless disclosure. Thankfully, she didn’t see any evidence that anything had changed between she and Anne. Actually, they seemed closer than ever. When the day for the visit to
Meadowlands
arrived, Anne had Giselle and Elise collected in the family Daimler. Elise had rung a girl who lived a few cottages down from them, and asked her to tend Chloe while she was out. Elise had used her before, with good results.

She and Giselle felt like princesses, riding through the cobblestoned streets of Thornton-on-Sea. They crossed the old bridge to Whitfield Cove, the small hamlet named for Anne’s family. It was a separate, little village from Thornton-on-Sea, but everyone considered them one entity. The gorgeous auto cruised along the tiny hamlet’s High Street. Then, they turned into the avenue that led to
Meadowlands,
and gasped. It consisted of tall Chestnut trees standing four deep on either side. The ground was a carpet of golden daffodils mixed with hyacinths and graceful bluebells. Ahead stood the old, red-brick mansion. The entire front of the house was covered with flowers, and Ivy grew thick and green. It was nothing short of an Eden-like paradise.
Highcroft Hall
was, of course, splendid, but in a different way. Its setting, and ancient ambiance, made
Meadowlands
one of a kind.